Intensification of Alkoxylation Processes

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 8984.1;5 PFIW-IW

Short description (English)

Intensification of Alkoxylation Processes

Short description (French)

Intensification of Alkoxylation Processes

Abstract (English)

Non-ionic surfactants are commercially produced by catalytic alkoxylation of an active hydrogen containing organic compound like fatty alcohols, fatty acids and esters. Alkoxylation agents are ethylene oxide (oxiran) or propylene oxide (2-methyloxiran). The reactions are highly exothermic and fast. To avoid thermal runaway, conventional processes are carried out in semi batch stirred vessels. The specific reactor performance is controlled by the relatively poor heat transfer capacity. Industrial installations are characterized by reactor volumes in the order of several ten m3. The present project is aimed on the intensification of alkoxydation processes by increasing mass and heat transfer by the use of micro and/or milli (mini) reactor technology. The novel process should have a considerably higher specific performance. In addition, the reactor hold-up will be decreased and reactant accumulations avoided leading to improved reactor safety. The results should have general validity for the design and operation of high throughput reactors for fast exothermic multiphase reactions.

Abstract (French)

Non-ionic surfactants are commercially produced by catalytic alkoxylation of an active hydrogen containing organic compound like fatty alcohols, fatty acids and esters. Alkoxylation agents are ethylene oxide (oxiran) or propylene oxide (2-methyloxiran). The reactions are highly exothermic and fast. To avoid thermal runaway, conventional processes are carried out in semi batch stirred vessels. The specific reactor performance is controlled by the relatively poor heat transfer capacity. Industrial installations are characterized by reactor volumes in the order of several ten m3. The present project is aimed on the intensification of alkoxydation processes by increasing mass and heat transfer by the use of micro and/or milli (mini) reactor technology. The novel process should have a considerably higher specific performance. In addition, the reactor hold-up will be decreased and reactant accumulations avoided leading to improved reactor safety. The results should have general validity for the design and operation of high throughput reactors for fast exothermic multiphase reactions.